How can one understand the pain of others more deeply?

Deeply understanding the pain of others is not merely a superficial recognition of their problems, but a heartfelt feeling, profound empathy, and a compassionate human act that the Holy Quran emphasizes greatly. This understanding originates from within a person, cultivated by nurturing divine attributes in their being, and culminates in virtuous actions within society. The Quran, by reminding us of God's attributes, portraying the believing community as a single body, and advising charitable and ethical deeds, shows us the path to achieving this profound insight. Firstly, to deeply understand the pain of others, one must reflect upon the attributes of Almighty Allah. Allah is "Ar-Rahman" (The Most Gracious) and "Ar-Rahim" (The Most Merciful); these two attributes are among the most fundamental names of God, signifying His infinite expanse of mercy and compassion. The Holy Quran invites us to draw inspiration from these divine attributes and fill our hearts with tenderness and compassion towards God's creation. When an individual strives to reflect these divine qualities, they naturally become more sensitive to the suffering and pain of others, feeling a closer connection to them. As stated in Surah Al-Balad (90:17), a true believer is among those who "and advised each other to patience and advised each other to compassion." This advice for compassion is a fundamental principle in understanding others' pain, for compassion is not merely an emotion but requires understanding the circumstances and needs of the other party and striving to alleviate them. This deeper understanding is achieved by opening the 'eye of the heart' and seeing the bitter realities of life around us. The next step towards deeper understanding is embracing the concept of "Islamic Brotherhood" or sisterhood, which the Holy Quran establishes as the foundation of the Muslim community. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), it declares: "The believers are but brothers." This foundational verse portrays the Muslim community as a single, integrated body. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further elaborated on this concept, stating: "The similitude of believers in their mutual love, affection, and compassion is like that of a body; when one of its organs suffers, the whole body responds to it with sleeplessness and fever." This sense of unity and connection ensures that we feel the pain and suffering of others within ourselves and are not indifferent to it. When we see ourselves as an inseparable part of a larger community, the suffering of one person in that community is no longer alien to us; rather, we feel it as if it were the pain of a limb of our own body, and we strive to alleviate it. This unifying perspective transforms empathy into an act of faith and moral duty. The Quran profoundly emphasizes specific actions and behaviors that directly lead to understanding and alleviating the pain of others. One of the most significant of these actions is helping the needy and the deprived. Numerous verses in the Quran invite us to feed the poor, the orphan, and the captive. In Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9), we read: "And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'" This practical action not only alleviates the pain of hunger but also, by placing oneself in another's shoes and experiencing their needs, creates a deeper understanding of their condition. Acts such as paying Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity), visiting the sick, comforting those in distress, and assisting the suffering, even if some of these are not explicitly mentioned by name in the Quran, fall within the general framework of Quranic commands for benevolence and kindness towards others and the advice for mercy and compassion. Such presence and sympathy help us to perceive the hidden dimensions of suffering more clearly, feel them up close, and even be a compassionate listener for their pains. Sometimes, merely listening with full attention can be the most comforting act and open a window to a deeper understanding of others' hidden sorrows. Furthermore, "justice" is a powerful tool for understanding pain. Much human suffering stems from injustice and oppression. The Quran strongly emphasizes upholding justice, even if it is against oneself, one's parents, or close relatives (Surah An-Nisa, 4:135). When a person seeks to implement justice, they inevitably must consider the consequences of injustice and the suffering inflicted upon the oppressed. This consideration itself creates the basis for a deeper understanding of their pain and hardship. Moreover, "Tazkiyah al-Nafs" (self-purification) plays a pivotal role in developing this sense of empathy. Cleansing the heart from arrogance, envy, selfishness, and greed prepares an individual to focus on the needs and pains of others instead of concentrating solely on themselves. Acts of worship such as Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) bring a person closer to God and remove the veils of the self. Fasting, in particular, by experiencing hunger and thirst, strengthens empathy for the deprived. When the heart is illuminated and the veils of the self are removed, the divine light of compassion and mercy manifests within it. Then, understanding the pain of others becomes not merely a duty but a spiritual pleasure and a path to drawing closer to the Almighty. This understanding not only brings inner satisfaction to the individual but also creates a healthier and more compassionate society, where each person is a mirror for another, and the pain of one is considered the pain of all. Finally, remembering that all human beings are subject to trials and tribulations, "Every soul will taste death. And We test you with evil and with good as trial" (Al-Anbiya: 35), helps us approach others' pain with humility, knowing that no one is immune to hardship. This awareness leads us towards greater empathy and prevents hasty judgments. Therefore, the path to deeply understanding others' pain is a spiritual and ethical journey rooted in monotheism and faith in the One God, helping to build a more humane world.